A Review of Power Transfer Systems for Light Rail Vehicles: The Case for Capacitive Wireless Power Transfer

Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are increasingly in demand to sustainably meet the transport needs of growing populations urban centres. LRVs have commonly been powered from grid by direct-contact overhead catenary systems (OCS); however, catenary-free systems, such as via a “hidden rail”, popular for new installations. Wireless power transfer (WPT) is an emerging (PT) technology e-transport with several advantages over direct contact including improved aesthetics and reduced maintenance requirements; they yet be utilised LRV systems. This paper provides review existing wireless PT technologies LRVs, followed in-depth critical assessment inductive (IPT) capacitive (CPT) LRVs. In particular, feasibility CPT powering presented, highlighting efficacy respect capability, safety, other factors. Finally, limitations recommendations future works identified.